Investigating brain inflammation's impact on executive function in bipolar disorder
Official title: Neuroinflammation and Executive Function in Bipolar Disorder: A PET-fMRI Study
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10954718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the brain might impact thinking skills, especially the ability to control impulses, in people with bipolar disorder, and by joining in, you could help us find new ways to improve these skills for better mood management.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $199,800 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH122676-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bipolar disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how inflammation in the brain may affect executive functions, particularly inhibitory control, in individuals with bipolar disorder. By using advanced imaging techniques like simultaneous PET-MRI, the study aims to measure glial activation, a marker of brain inflammation, and its relationship to cognitive performance. The goal is to identify potential new treatment targets that could improve executive function in mood disorders. Patients participating in this research may contribute to a better understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuroinflammation in various psychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, Amy — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Peters, Amy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Detailed brain mapping for bipolar disorder and major depression
Researchers are using thousands of MRI scans to map fine-grained brain structure differences in people with bipolar disorder and major depression compared with people without these conditions.
-
Understanding how mood swings happen in bipolar disorder
Researchers are testing a high-tech brain imaging approach to map how emotions flare and fade in people with bipolar disorder.
-
Cerebellum and mood in bipolar disorder
A long-term study will look at how the cerebellum’s signals and metabolism relate to mood changes in people with bipolar I and compare them with non-affected individuals.
-
Biological signs linked to alcohol problems in young people with bipolar disorder
This project will look for brain and stress-related signs that predict which young people with bipolar disorder and their peers may go on to develop alcohol problems.
-
Improving emotion control in bipolar disorder with rapid noninvasive brain stimulation
This project uses short sessions of rapid, noninvasive brain stimulation aimed at a specific brain area to help people with bipolar disorder improve control over emotions.
-
Finding genes linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Latino and mixed-ancestry people
This project will combine genetic information and gene-activity (RNA) data from Latino people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and people without these conditions to find genes that raise disease risk.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.